I’m feeling grateful for a lovely afternoon spent with my artist friend K. We met for tea and wandered through the Art SG fringe events around the Singapore Art Museum area. It was unhurried, lighthearted, and full of visual discovery, one of those afternoons where conversation and art flow naturally together.
Walking from space to space, we took our time to really look. There was something refreshing about seeing art outside the main fair, where the atmosphere felt more relaxed and experimental. It reminded me that art is not only about grand statements, but also about curiosity, play, and shared moments.
I found myself especially drawn to the works by Choerodin Roadyn, an Indonesian artist whose paintings immediately stood out. I was completely taken by their whimsical energy and vibrant colour palette. His works felt joyful, imaginative, and alive, yet beneath the playful surface there was a strong sense of discipline and craft.
What struck me most was how his paintings inhabit a dreamlike world where animals, objects, and architectural elements coexist freely. Goldfish morph into horses, flamingos dissolve into glowing forms, musical instruments become almost living beings. There is a surreal quality to the imagery, but it never feels chaotic. Everything is carefully composed, with movement flowing across the canvas in rhythmic arcs and spirals.
Colour plays a central role in his work. Saturated blues, golds, pinks, and purples glow against dark, atmospheric backgrounds. The contrast gives the paintings a luminous, almost celestial feel. The recurring orbs and floating elements create a sense of motion, like energy drifting through space, tying the compositions together.
Despite the fantastical imagery, the paintings are technically strong. The layering is deliberate, the forms are clearly articulated, and there is a confident control of light and texture. Each work feels immersive, inviting the viewer into a richly imagined universe that balances playfulness with precision.
What I loved most is how his paintings made me feel. They sparked a sense of wonder and childlike curiosity, while still holding enough complexity to keep me looking. They didn’t demand interpretation; they invited imagination. That, to me, is a rare and generous quality in art.
Spending the afternoon with K, sharing thoughts, reactions, and quiet moments in front of artworks, reminded me how meaningful it is to experience art with a fellow artist. Conversations deepen, observations expand, and the joy of looking becomes shared.
I’m grateful for friendships like this, for afternoons filled with tea, laughter, and art, and for discovering works that stay with me long after I leave the gallery. Days like this reaffirm why I love being part of the art world, not just as a maker, but as a viewer and a companion in the act of looking.
Leave a Reply